Audible signaling device for a computer

ABSTRACT

An audible signaling device adapted to monitor and sense light indications from illuminated computer halt codes, and illuminated display buttons. The occurrence of any of the above conditions is detected with one or more phototransistors positioned relative to the visual indications and the signal is electronically converted to a short tone with visual indication or to a continuous tone to audibly alert an operator of the system that the computer has halted operation.

United States Patent [191 Beacham et al.

[ 1 AUDI BLE SIGNALING DEVICE FOR A COMPUTER [75] Inventors: Ronald Beacham, Mound; Dennis Covington, Minneapolis; Reginald McNutt, Long Lake, all of Minn.

[73] Assignee: Business Electronics, Inc.,

Minneapolis, Minn.

[22] Filed: July 29, 1974 [21] Appl. No.: 492,429

[52] US. Cl. 340/228 S; 340/328; 250/215 [51] Int. Cl. G08B 21/00 [58] Field of Search 340/251, 228 S, 328, 266;

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2/1969 Deuth 340/251 [451 Dec.9, 1975 3,543,148 11/1970 Martin 340/266 3,568,176 3/1971 Schouest 340/251 3,665,111 5/1972 Schieser 3401228 S Primary ExaminerThomas B. Habecker Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Dorsey, Marquart, Windhorst, West and Halladay [57] ABSTRACT An audible signaling device adapted to monitor and sense light indications from illuminated computer halt codes, and illuminated display buttons. The occur- 7 rence of any of the above conditions is detected with one or more phototransistors positioned relative to the visual indications and the signal is electronically converted to a short tone with visual indication or to a continuous tone to audibly alert an operator of the system that the computer has halted operation.

14 Claims, 3 Drawing Figures U.S. Patent Dec; 9, 1975 Sheet 1 of 2 3,925,770

AUDIBLE SIGNALING DEVICE FOR A COMPUTER BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The IBM System 3 computer is a popular and commercially successful computer. It is virtually automatic requiring only minimum attention by an operator to start and stop the system. In addition, only a minimum of effort and attention is required to care for the system in the event the computer stops for a specific programmed purpose or the system halts for a variety of unprogrammed reasons.

The System 3 computer currently gives a visual indication of having halted, either through a display window or by lighting two buttons designated Processor Check" or l/O Attention.

However, the unfortunate situation occasionally occurs that the operator of the system is performing another assignment and not monitoring the visual display. Consequently, substantial computer time may be lost with the consequential economic losses attendant therewith.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is designed to eliminate the attendant economic loss and loss of time which occurs with a System 3 halt. The invention is adapted to be positioned relative to the System 3 display window to monitor any halt code. Also provided are detectors to detect the occurrence of illumination of the Processor Check read-out and the I/O Attention" read-out.

v The monitoring is accomplished by seven phototransistors in parallel, the signal from any one of which is amplified to provide an audible tone alerting the operator that a halt has occurred.

The tone can be continuous or short depending on which mode of operation is selected. In the event the short tone mode of operation is elected, after the short tone a light emitting diode is illuminated and may be flashed with a relaxation oscillator to indicate that a halt has occurred. Upon hearing the tone and noticing the halt light, the operator can slideably move the detection device to read the video display of where the halt occurred.

If the continuous tone mode of operation is selected a tone is produced upon the halt and continues until it is turned off by the operator or until the halt is resolved. In the same manner as above the operator can then check the video display window to determine where the halt has occurred or perform the appropriate function if the processor check or attention displays are illuminated.

Thus, an operator may be utilized to perform a plurality of duties while system programs are operating. While doing so he can have assurance that in the event the system ceases to operate or halts that he will be immediately alerted so that he can make maximum utilization of computer time.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of our invention affixed to an IBM System 3 computer wherein the detecting unit is slideably positioned adjacent the visual display window so that the operator can read the halt code.

FIG. 2 is a rear view of our invention mounted in its normal operating position so that the detector unit is DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The outward appearance of the audible alarm is shown most clearly in FIG. 1. A frame 12 having slide rails 14, 15 is fixedly secured to a control panel of an IBM System 3 computer. While the preferred embodiment of my invention is custom designed to be adapted to a System 3 computer it should be obvious that my invention can be designed for any similar visual display system and all such designs are within the intendment of my invention.

The frame 12 for the mounting plate 18 is securedly fixed to the control panel so that the aperture 20 formed in the frame 12 corresponds to the edges of the System 3 display window 21. Slideably mounted in the frame 12 in the slide rails 14, 15 is the detector unit 22. The detector unit 22 is normally slid along the slide rails 14, 15 to a position where it completely covers the aperture 20 in the mounting plate 12. When it is in this position five phototransistors 25 29 are positioned to detect the occurrence of light emission from five of the fourteen elements in the display window. It has been statistically determined and verified with an IBM System 3 code book that these five phototransistors will detect the occurrence of any halt code which would occur.

These five phototransistors 25 29 are most clearly shown in FIG. 2 which is a back view of the detector unit 22 as it is positioned over the display window 21.

Referring again to FIG. 1 the positioning of the power switch 31 and the mode selector switch 32, discussed more fully below, are shown as well as an auxiliary unit 35 containing two phototransistors 36, 37 which is alligned adjacent to the processor check display button 38 and the I/O attention display button 39. These display buttons 38, 39 also are illuminated in the event either of those functions halt the system. The housing 35 for these additional two phototransistors 36, 71 is connected to the detector unit 22 with a cord 40 and female plug adapter.

Referring now to FIG. 3 the electronic circuitry is shown schematically which detects the occurrence of the visual signal and converts it to a continuous or short audible tone. Seven phototransistors, the five 25 29 shown in FIG. 2 and the two 36, 37 contained in the additional housing 35, are connected in parallel and are represented by the one schematic representation 45 shown in FIG. 3. It should be understood that it is only necessary to have one indication to produce the audible tone.

The emitters 47 of the phototransistors 45 are connected to a current limiting resistor 49 which is con nected to the base 50 of a Darlington amplifier 52 composed of two transistors 54, 55. The base 50 of the Darlington amplifier 52 is also connected to ground through a resistor 58 to accommodate transistor leakage current. The output of the Darlington amplifier 52 is connected through a current limiting resistor 59 to the base 61 of a control transistor 62. The base 61 of the control transistor 62 is also connected to the voltage supply through a resistor 65 to assure a back bias on the emitter-base junction of the transistor 62 to hold the transistor 62 off until a signal is detected. The emitter 66 of the control transistor 62 is also connected to the voltage source.

The output of the control transistor 62 is connected to the input of a relaxation oscillator 70 comprising resistors 72, 73, a capacitor 75 and a unijunction transistor 76 which operates in the conventional manner. The relaxation oscillator 70 will not oscillate however, unless a voltage is connected to the unijunction transistor 78 through a light emitting diode 80 and switch 82. This switch 82 is the mode selection switch 82. If the switch 82 is in the open position this indicates that the operator desires a continuous tone. In this mode of operation the output of the control transistor 62 is connected through a current limiting resistor 85 and two voltage dropping diodes 88, 89 to the base of a second control transistor 92. As long as this second control transistor 92 remains energized the audible signal will be produced as explained below.

In the event that the short tone mode of operation is selected the mode selection switch 82 will be closed. If it is closed a tone will be produced immediately upon detection of light emission by one of the phototransistors 45. The values of the resistor 72, and capacitor 75 are chosen to provide an oscillation time of approximately 3 to 4 seconds. A resistor 72 value of kilohms and a capacitor 75 value of 250 microfarads has been found sufficient to accomplish this oscillation time. The first oscillation, or discharge of the capacitor 75 will energize the unijunction transistor 76 and thus the light emitting diode 80 connected from the voltage source through the first control transistor 62, the mode selector switch 82, to the diode 80 and from the diode 80 through the transistor 76. In addition, the output of the unijunction transistor 76 is also connected to a silicon controlled rectifier 94, the input of which is connected to the voltage source through the current limiting resistor 85 and also to the base of the second control transistor 92 through the voltage dropping diodes 88, 89. When the silicon controlled rectifier 94 is fired it will take the voltage off the base of the second control transistor 92 thus shutting the transistor 92 off as well as the audible signal as explained below. Thereafter, the light emitting diode 80 will remain energized and may be flashed periodically, approximately every three to four seconds.

In the event the continuous tone is chosen the mode selector switch 82 will be in the open position. Thus, the light emitting diode 80 will not be energized and the silicon controlled rectifier 94 will not be fired. Accordingly, the second control transistor 92 will remain energized and the audible tone will continue until the computer begins operating again thus eliminating the illuminated halt signal or the operator turns off power to the unit.

The emitter of the second control transistor 92 is connected to ground and thus the second control transistor 92 provides the ground return for the speaker 101, a speaker amplifier 102 and oscillator 103. The input to the second control transistor 92 is connected to a second relaxation oscillator 103 comprising resistors 106 and 107, a capacitor 108 and unijunction transistor 110. This oscillator is connected with a current limiting resistor 112 to the input of the Darlington am plifier 102. The Darlington amplifier 102 is connected 4 to ground through a transistor leakage current resistor 115 and the second control transistor 92. The output of the Darlington amplifier 102 is connected to a conventional speaker 101 which will emit an audible tone at 5 the frequency determined by the relaxation oscillator In the above described manner the device provides all functions which are necessary to provide an effective audible warning to alert an operator of a computer halt. The operator may choose either to receive a continuous tone which will call him back to the computer or he may choose by operation of the mode selector switch 32 to receive a short tone to alert him of the halt but to thereafter receive only a red signal to remind him of the halt and not be distracted by the sound of the alarm.

The construction of the device is such that it slides easily into and out of service and consequently does not interfere with computer operation. The system runs independently of the computer and requires no electrical connections to the computer. It should also be noted that no power is used by the unit unless it is energized due to light emission from the computer. As such, it is a device well suited for its intended purpose.

In additon, from a consideration of the foregoing disclosure it should be obvious that the invention is simply constructed and economically manufactured. It should be understood that modifications and variations may be resorted to without departing from the spirit of the invention as those skilled in the art will readily understand. Such modifications and variations are considered to be within the purview and scope of the present invention as defined by the following claims.

Having described my invention I claim:

1. An audible signaling device for a computer having a visual display window in which at least one halt signal is illuminated, when the computer halts, comprising:

sensing means for sensing the illuminated halt signal from the computer;

electrical means connected to the sensing means for producing an audible signal when the halt signal is sensed;

a frame securely fastened to the computer and surrounding the visual display window; and

a sensor unit housing the sensing means slideably mounted in the frame relative to the visual display window so that when the computer is operating the sensing means can sense the visual display and when the computer is halted the sensing unit may be slideably removed to permit observation of the halt code in the display window.

2. The audible signaling device of claim 1 wherein said sensing means comprises at least one photosensitive element.

3. The audible signaling device of claim 1 wherein said sensing means comprises a plurality of photosensitive elements.

4. The audible signaling device of claim 1 wherein said sensing means comprises at least one phototransistor.

5. The audible signaling device of claim 1 wherein the sensing means comprises a plurality of phototransistors.

6. The audible signaling device of claim 1 wherein the computer halt signal is coded in the visual display window and wherein the sensing means are positioned to detect any of the coded halt signals so displayed.

7. The audible signaling device of claim 1 wherein the computer also has display buttons which may be illuminated when the computer halts and further comprising second sensing means electrically connected to the sensor unit for sensing the illuminated display buttons.

8. The audible signaling device of claim 7 further comprising a second housing for the second sensing means which is securely fixed to the computer and electrically connected to the electrical means with flexible wiring whereby the sensor unit can be slideably removed from the display window without removing the second sensing means.

9. The audible signaling device of claim 1 wherein the electrical means for producing an audible signal comprises first oscillating means for creating the frequency of the signal;

amplifying means connected to the first oscillating means; and

at least one speaker for producing the audible tone.

10. The audible signaling device of claim 1 wherein the electrical means is selectively activated to produce a continuous tone or a short tone.

11. The audible signaling device of claim 10 further comprising illumination means attached to the switching means for indicating that a short tone has been produced.

12. The audible signaling device of claim 11 further comprising second oscillating means connected to the switching means for determining the time duration of the short tone.

13. The audible signaling device of claim 12 wherein the second oscillating means initially determines the time duration of the short tone and thereafter flashes the illumination means to indicate that the short tone has occurred.

14. The audible signaling device of claim 11 wherein the illumination means comprises a light emitting diode. 

1. An audible signaling device for a computer having a visual display window in which at least one halt signal is illuminated, when the computer halts, comprising: sensing means for sensing the illuminated halt signal from the computer; electrical means connected to the sensing means for producing an audible signal when the halt signal is sensed; a frame securely fastened to the computer and surrounding the visual display window; and a sensor unit housing the sensing means slideably mounted in the frame relative to the visual display window so that when the computer is operating the sensing means can sense the visual display and when the computer is halted the sensing unit may be slideably removed to permit observation of the halt code in the display window.
 2. The audible signaling device of claim 1 wherein said sensing means comprises at least one photosensitive element.
 3. The audible signaling device of claim 1 wherein said sensing means comprises a plurality of photosensitive elements.
 4. The audible signaling device of claim 1 wherein said sensing means comprises at least one phototransistor.
 5. The audible signaling device of claim 1 wherein the sensing means comprises a plurality of phototransistors.
 6. The audible signaling device of claim 1 wherein the computer halt signal is coded in the visual display window and wherein the sensing means are positioned to detect any of the coded halt signals so displayed.
 7. The audible signaling device of claim 1 wherein the computer also has display buttons which may be illuminated when the computer halts and further comprising second sensing means electrically connected to the sensor unit for sensing the illuminated display buttons.
 8. The audible signaling device of claim 7 further comprising a second housing for the second sensing means which is securely fixed to the computer and electrically connected to the electrical means with flexible wiring whereby the sensor unit can be slideably removed from the display window without removing the second sensing means.
 9. The audible signaling device of claim 1 wherein the electrical means for producing an audible signal comprises first oscillating means for creating the frequency of the signal; amplifying means connected to the first oscillating means; and at least one speaker for producing the audible tone.
 10. The audible signaling device of claim 1 wherein the electrical means is selectively activated to produce a continuous tone or a short tone.
 11. The audible signaling device of claim 10 further comprising illumination means attached to the switching means for indicating that a short tone has been produced.
 12. The audible signaling device of claim 11 further comprising second oscillating means connected to the switching means for determining the time duration of the short tone.
 13. The audible signaling device of claim 12 wherein the second oscillating means initially determines the time duration of the short tone and thereafter flashes the illumination means to indicate that the short tone has occurred.
 14. The audible signaling device of claim 11 wherein the illumination means comprises a light emitting diode. 